10 Sci-fi Gadgets We Wish Actually Existed

Many comic book superheroes possess amazing powers. A few, like Batman or Iron Man, are relatively normal human beings who rely on their training and gadgets to get the upper hand on villains. Iron Man's suit is the Swiss Army Knife of the super gadget world. It can fly, it's impervious to most forms of damage and it features repulsor beams that can blast holes in masonry.

Throughout the history of the Iron Man appearances in comics, television shows and films there have been many versions of the armor. Some are large and bulky, resembling a tank more than anything else. Others are sleek -- one suit even had the ability to fold up into a suitcase. How Stark managed to carry around a suit like that without his back giving out remains something of a mystery.

With an Iron Man suit, casual Friday at the HowStuffWorks.com office would take on a new meaning. And it sure would be handy to step out onto our balcony and fly off to grab lunch -- there'd be no need to wait on those pesky elevators!